Bartop Gaming Unit

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/234,065, filed Aug. 15, 2023, which application is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

The present invention relates to housings or cabinets for gaming devices, and particularly for location in a bar top or similar environment.

A wide variety of configurations of gaming machines are well-known. For use on a casino floor, such gaming machines often have a “slant top” or “upright” configuration where the cabinet of the gaming machine extends generally vertically. This allows the gaming machine to be set on the floor or on a gaming machine stand and have a height which is suitable for play by a player.

This style of gaming machine, however, does not work well in bar top environments. In a bar top environment, the bar has a raised serving surface, such that if the gaming machine is placed thereon, it would be too tall to be played by a player and would also block the bar behind the bar top. As a result, bar top gaming machines generally have a low profile, with a housing which is desired to sit at least partially below the bar top surface and having a top which is located at or above the bar top. The game display is associated with the top of the bar top gaming machine so that it sits at or slightly above the bar top and can easily be viewed by a player sitting at the bar.

Several problems exist with existing bar top gaming machines. For example, these gaming machines are often difficult to service and/or have expensive and complex designs owing to their unique configuration.

An improved bar top gaming unit is desired.

Aspects of the invention comprise a bar top gaming unit or machine, including a configuration thereof and features thereof.

In one embodiment, a bar top gaming unit comprises a housing having a base and at least one wall extending upwardly to a top, the housing generally defining an interior area and the housing having a front and a rear, a frame mounted to the housing and extending upwardly from the top of the housing, the frame having a front and a rear, a top door rotatably mounted to the frame at the rear thereof, the top panel movable between a first position in which the top of the housing is generally open providing access to the interior area and a second position in which the top door cooperates with the frame to generally close the top of the housing, and at least one biasing strut, the biasing strut having a first end and a second end, the first end mounted to the frame and the second end mounted to the top door, the biasing strut extending downwardly at an angle below horizontal from a rear towards the front of the housing when the top door is in the second position, and wherein the biasing strut biases the top door upwardly when the top door is in the first position.

In another embodiment, a bar top gaming unit comprises a housing having a base and at least one wall extending upwardly to a top, the housing generally defining an interior area, the housing having a front and a rear, a top door rotatably mounted to the housing at the rear thereof, the top panel movable between a first position in which the top of the housing is generally open providing access to the interior area and a second position in which the top door generally closes the top of the housing, and a player tracking unit, the player tracking unit mounted to the housing and located at the rear of the housing, the player tracking unit comprising a housing and a display, a front of the player tracking unit located above the top door when the top door is in the second position and the player tracking unit spaced from the top door to permit the top door to be moved between the first and second positions while the player tracking unit remains stationary.

In yet another embodiment, a bar top gaming unit comprises a housing having a base and at least one wall extending upwardly to a top, the housing generally defining an interior area, the housing having a front and a rear, a top door rotatably mounted to the housing at the rear thereof, the top panel movable between a first position in which the top of the housing is generally open providing access to the interior area and a second position in which the top door generally close the top of the housing, where the top door comprises a base, a video display mounted to the base, and a cover panel, the cover panel having a peripheral edge, at least a portion of the peripheral edge forming at least a portion of the peripheral edge of a top of the top door.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

One aspect of the invention is a bar top gaming unit or machine. It is noted that aspects of the invention relate to the configuration of a housing and/or other components of a bar top gaming machine. While the housing and related components comprise a portion of a completed bar top gaming machine that is configured to present one or more wagering games, it will be appreciated that some elements of a completed bar top gaming machine (for example, a gaming machine controller, etc., as further described below) are not required.

20 20 22 22 24 26 28 23 22 30 32 24 30 32 26 28 22 22 30 32 26 28 22 1 2 FIGS.and One embodiment of a bar top gaming unitwill be described with reference to. As illustrated therein, the bar top gaming unitincludes a housing. In one embodiment, the housingis defined by a bottom or baseand at least one wall extending upwardly from the base. In a preferred embodiment, first and second sides,extend upwardly from opposing edges of the base. The housingalso includes front and rear walls,which extend upwardly from the base. The front and rear walls,extend between the first and second sides,, the walls and sides defining a perimeter of the housing. In such an embodiment, the housingis generally rectangular in shape, where the front and rear walls,are longer than the first and second sides,. Of course, the housingmight have other shapes, such as generally square, or where one or more of the sides or walls thereof are not linear, etc.

24 26 28 30 32 34 26 28 30 32 22 2 FIG. The base, first and second sides,and front and rear walls,define a generally closed interior area(see). The first and second sides,and front and rear walls,have a top edge forming the perimeter of a generally open top of the housing.

30 34 22 38 22 30 38 38 30 38 30 26 28 32 22 In one embodiment, the front wallmay have one or more openings therein providing access to the interiorof the housing. At least one panel or doorA, B may be movably connected to the housingfor selectively opening and closing the opening(s) in the front wall. These panels or doorsA, B, may have at least one locking element associated therewith, such as a key operated lock or an internally accessible latch, etc. for selectively controlling opening and closing thereof. For example, in one embodiment, a locking mechanism may comprise a simple rotating latch. The latch of the locking mechanism may be positioned at a rear of the panelA, B, with a key accepting actuator extending from a front side of the panel through the panel to the latch for rotating the latch. In use, turning of a key causes the latch to rotate into a first position in which it extends behind a portion of the front wallopposing the panelA, B, preventing the front panel from being moved to an open position. Rotation of the latch into a second position out of engagement with the front wallpermits the panel to be opened. Further, similar openings might be provided at the side,or rearof the housingin a similar manner.

42 22 26 28 30 32 42 26 28 30 32 22 42 22 In one configuration, a flangeis located at the top of the housing, such as at the top of the wall forming the sides,, frontand/or rear. In one embodiment, the flangeextends outwardly generally horizontally (such as a right angle to the sides,and front and rear walls,) from the top of the housingaround the periphery thereof. In other embodiments, the flangemight not extend continuously around the top of the housing.

1 FIG. 20 22 42 20 As illustrated in, in use, the bar top gaming unitis advantageously configured to use with a bar having a cabinet C with a top T. The housingis preferably configured to fit within an opening defined by the cabinet C, such as by being placed downwardly through an opening in the top T. In such a configuration, the flangemay be configured to rest on the top T of the bar, thus providing support for the bar top gaming unit.

40 44 22 34 22 40 41 58 68 3 FIG. In one configuration, a top doorcooperates with a frameto selectively open and close the top of the housing, and thus control access to the interiorof the housing. In one embodiment, the top doorcomprises a base member or support(best illustrated in) for supporting the components thereof, such as a consoleand a video display, as described in more detail below.

44 22 44 22 46 48 50 50 26 28 30 32 22 In one embodiment, a frameextends upwardly from the housing. The frameis preferably located at the top of the housingand has a front, first and second sides,and a rearwhich generally correspond to the first and second sides,and the front and rear walls,of the housing.

2 FIG. 46 44 22 42 52 42 40 68 48 50 44 22 52 44 22 52 44 22 44 22 As illustrated in, the frontof the framemay extend upwardly a first distance from the housingabove the flange, while the rearmay extend upwardly a second distance above the flange. Preferably, the second distance is greater than the first distance. In this manner, as detailed below, the top door(and associated video display) slopes upwardly from front to back at an angle from horizontal. In such a configuration, the first and second sides,of the framemay extend upwardly a variable distance from the housing, such as a greater distance at the rear than the front. Further, as illustrated, the rearof the framemay extend not only upwardly from the housing, but at an angle thereto, such as whereby the rearof the frameextends rearwardly of the housing. As illustrated, the framegenerally extends the open top of the housingupwardly to a point above the bar top T.

44 22 22 44 22 44 22 It will be appreciated that while the framemay comprise one or more elements which are mounted to the housing(such as metal members which are connected to metal members forming the housing), the framemay comprise a portion of the housing, such as extended portions of the sides and front and rear walls, etc. (whereby the frameeffectively comprises a portion of the housing).

6 FIG. 1 4 FIGS.andA 2 4 FIGS.andB 40 44 54 41 40 52 44 54 40 22 54 40 22 34 40 22 40 22 In a preferred embodiment, as best illustrated in, the top dooris movably mounted to the frame, such as by a hingethat connects a back edge of the base memberof the top doorto the rearof the frame. As illustrated in, the hingepermits the top doorto be rotated into a closed position in which it extends over the otherwise open top of the housing. As illustrated in, the hingealso permits the top doorto be rotated upwardly into a position in which it does not generally obscure the open top of the housing, permitting access to the interior area. Other means may be provided for movably the top doorrelative to the housing, such as more than one hinge or where the top dooris movably mounted to the housing.

1 3 FIGS.and 2 FIG. 41 40 20 56 56 40 40 56 41 40 58 56 41 56 56 34 22 40 41 60 62 34 22 64 66 34 22 As indicated above and illustrated in, the base memberof the top doorsupports components of the bar top gaming unit, such as a console. The consolemay be located at the top of the top door, such as at a front portion thereof, and may span across the top doorfrom side to side. The consolemight comprise, for example, a panel member which is associated with the base memberof the top door. As illustrated, one or more player input devicessuch as buttons or the like may be associated with the console(such as by being mounted to the base memberand extending through one or more openings in the consoleto a top thereof for access by a player). Further, the consolemay include one or more openings therein that provide access to the interiorof the housingwhen the top dooris closed (which openings may align with corresponding openings in the base member). For example, one opening and an associated bezelmay provide access to a media printerwhich is located in the interior spaceof the housing(see). A second opening and associated bezelmay provide access to a media readerwhich is located in the interiorof the housing.

68 40 68 66 68 40 44 40 20 66 68 68 102 56 40 Preferably, a video displayis also associated with the top door. The video displayis preferably a panel style display, such as an LED, OLED, plasma or similar display. As illustrated, the consoleand displaymay be configured, in relation to the top doorand frame, so that when the top dooris closed, the top of the bar top gaming unitis primarily defined by the consoleand display, such as where edges of the video display(or as described in more detail below, a cover panel) and the consoleform or define the peripheral edges of the top of the top door.

68 68 68 68 4 FIG.A In one embodiment, the video displaymay be a flat panel display. In a preferred embodiment, however, the video displayhas a curved screen. As best illustrated in, the video displaypreferably has a concave curvature with a curve radius of 1493 mm (+/−1 mm). In such a configuration, the video displaycurves towards the player (such as compared to a flat panel display).

40 40 40 As indicated, the top dooris movable between an open and a closed position. In one embodiment, means are provided for aiding in this movement, and preferably movement of the top doorfrom its closed to its open position. In one embodiment, at least one means for biasing is provided for biasing the top doorto its open position.

2 4 4 FIGS.,A andB 72 40 40 72 74 76 72 72 Referring to, in one embodiment, at least one strutis provided which assists in moving the top doorto its open position, and which preferably holds or maintains the doorin the open position. Preferably, the strutis a gas or liquid type strut having a bodyand a rod. As illustrated, two strutsare preferably provided, wherein each strutand its mounting are configured as follows.

74 44 78 52 76 40 76 80 40 80 40 78 80 40 72 22 40 72 22 78 44 72 22 34 80 40 4 FIG.A In a preferred configuration, the bodyis connected to the frame, such as at a mounting flangeat the rearthereof, and the rodis connected to the top panel. In one embodiment, the rodis connected to a mounting flangeat the bottom of the top door. As illustrated, the mounting flangepreferably extends downwardly from the top door. As best illustrated, the configuration of the flanges,and their mounting location is preferably selected so that, when the top dooris in its closed position, each strutextends downwardly (from the rear towards the front of the housing) at angle α of about 16 degrees (+/−2 degrees) with respect to horizontal (e.g. at a negative angle). As best illustrated in, in a preferred configuration, when the top dooris in its closed position, the second or body end of the strutis located above the top of the housing(at its connection to the first flangeassociated with the frame), while the first or rod end of the strutis located below the top of the housing, within the interior areathereof (at its connection to the second flangewhich extends below the top door).

40 72 40 30 22 40 22 40 72 40 In this configuration, when the top dooris closed, the biasing force generated by the strutis not applied solely horizontally, which would tend to force the top doortowards the frontof the housing, thus tending to bind the top dooragainst the front of the housing(and any associated latch and/or locking mechanism for the top dooras described below). Instead, the downward angle of the strutresults in much of the force generated thereby being directed in a downward direction, thus tending to simply keep the top doorin its closed position.

40 72 40 40 40 72 40 22 22 40 72 40 76 74 40 40 76 74 2 4 FIGS.andB On the other hand, when a user desires to open the top door, as illustrated in, the force generated by the strutaids in moving the top doorto its open position. In particular, the user pulls upwardly on the top door. As the user moves the top doorupwardly, the angle of the strutspass horizontal (at which point the top dooris above the housingand thus does not press into the housingand bind the top door), and thereafter the strutsangle upwardly, thus pushing the top doorupwardly. So extended, movement of the rodback into the bodyis resisted, keeping the top doorraised into its open position. Upon application of sufficient pressure (as applied by a user to the top door), the rodis compressed back into the body.

40 40 22 In one configuration, a latching and locking mechanism is provided for maintaining the top doorin a closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a key-operated latch, such as where insertion of a key into a tumbler (such as accessible at the outside of the top dooror housing) which either releases or locks, or otherwise moves a latching member between latched and unlatched positions.

20 20 20 62 34 22 60 40 62 20 66 34 22 62 40 66 The bar top gaming unitmay include a plurality of devices for presenting one or more wagering games to a player. As indicated above, such devices or elements are preferably supported by and/or housed within the unit. For example, as indicated above, the bar top gaming unitmay include a media printer, such as which is located in the interior spaceof the housingand has an output slot which is aligned with the first opening and associated bezelin the top door. The media printermay, for example, be configured to print monetary-value gaming tickets for dispensing to players. The bar top gaming unitmay also include a media reader, such as which is located in the interior spaceof the housingand has an acceptor slot which is aligned with the second slot and associated bezelin the top door. The media readermay, for example, be configured to accept and read/validate currency, monetary-value gaming tickets and the like (aspects of gaming machine “ticketing” systems are well known; one such system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,269 to Burns, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference).

20 The bar top gaming unitmay also include one or more audio generating devices, such as one or more speakers.

20 20 The bar top gaming unitmay also include a gaming controller (such as comprising a processor, an associated memory and machine-readable code stored in the memory and executable by the processor) for controlling the various devices/peripherals of the bar top gaming unit, for presenting one or more wagering games or other information or events to a player thereof.

20 20 66 20 68 20 58 For example, the bar top gaming unitmay be configured to present one or more wagering games to a player. The player may associate funds with the bar top gaming unit, such as by inserting currency or a gaming value ticket into the media reader, which funds may be converted to monetary value credits associated with a credit balance on the unit. The player may then wager one or more of those credits. The gaming controller may then generate game information and cause it to be displayed by the video display. The information which is displayed may vary depending on the particular game and might comprise, for example, graphical representations of cards in a video poker game or symbols in a slot game. The player may provide input to the unit, such as via one or more of the player input devices, such as the buttons. For example, the player might use the buttons to select cards to be held in a video poker game.

20 62 In the event of a winning wagering game outcome, the gaming controller may be configured to award one or more credits, such as based upon a pay table of awards. The player may elect to cash-out the credit balance on the unit, such as by selecting a cash-out option. This may result in the dispensing of a monetary value gaming ticket to the player, such as via the media printer.

20 20 20 20 20 90 90 92 94 92 94 92 92 98 92 1 3 FIGS.and Of course, the bar top gaming unitmight have other features and be configured to operate in other manners. For example, the bar top gaming unitmight comprise a server-based gaming machine in which game information and/or outcomes are remotely generated and wherein the bar top gaming unitutilizes that information to present the one or more games. Further, the bar top gaming unitmight be configured to accept monetary-value funds via account transfers, from a credit/debit card (such as via a card reader) and/or to issue funds in a similar manner (e.g. by transfer to an account or wallet, by transfer to a bank account, etc.) As another aspect of the invention, the bar top gaming unitmay include a player tracking unit. As illustrated in, in one configuration, the player tracking unitcomprise a housingthat supports various player tracking components, such as a video displayand a card reader (not visible). The housingmight have a number of shapes, such as a generally rectangular prism. In this configuration, the video displaymay be mounted inside of the player tracking unit housingand face the front thereof, and the card reader may be located in the player tracking unit housingand may define a card slotin a side of the housing.

3 5 6 FIGS.,and 90 40 90 40 90 44 22 90 22 40 90 Most importantly, as best illustrated in, the player tracking unitis preferably mounted independently of the top doorso that the player tracking unitdoes not move when the top dooris moved between its open and closed positions. In particular, in a preferred embodiment, the player tracking unitis mounted to the frame, which is stationary and is mounted to the housing. Further, the manner of mounting allows the player tracking unitto be accessible to a player when playing games at the bar top gaming unit, but as indicated, allows the top doorto be opened and closed (without the player tracking uniteither moving or needing to be removed or moved).

92 90 44 100 100 44 52 100 52 44 92 90 100 92 100 5 6 FIGS.and In one configuration, the housingof the player tracking unitis mounted to the framevia a mount, such as illustrated in. As illustrated therein, the mountmay have a first end and a second end. The first end may be mounted to frame, preferably at the rearthereof. The mountpreferably extends outwardly and upwardly from the rearof the frameto the second end. The housingof the player tracking unitis preferably mounted to the second end of the mount. For example, the bottom of the housingmay be connected to the second end of the mount.

100 90 40 40 90 100 90 40 40 94 90 6 FIG. Preferably, the mountis sized so that, as best illustrated in, the player tracking unitis located rearwardly of the top doora sufficient distance that the top doorcan be moved between its open and closed position without hitting the player tracking unit. Further, the mountis configured so that the player tracking unitsits above the back of the top door, whereby top door(in its closed position) does not interfere with the line of sight from the player to the video displayof the player tracking unit.

90 92 90 100 44 34 22 90 It will be appreciated that the elements of the player tracking unitmay be communicatively coupled to the bar top gaming unit controller and/or external systems (such as a casino player loyalty system, as is well known). In one configuration, a channel is defined from the housingof the player tracking unit, through the mountand through the frameto the interiorof the housing. Cables, wiring or the like may be extended through that defined channel, such as between the elements of the player tracking unitand the bar top gaming unit controller, a power supply, USB hub, etc.

7 8 FIGS.and 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 68 40 68 41 40 40 68 41 102 68 102 68 102 68 68 Another aspects of the invention will be described with reference to. As indicated above, in a preferred configuration, a peripheral edge of the displayforms a portion of the peripheral edge of the top of the top door. As illustrated in, the video displayis preferably mounted to the baseof the top doorfor movement with the top door. As is well known, such a video displaygenerally comprise a display panel which displays generated graphical content. This display panel faces upwardly away from the base. As illustrated in, a cover panelis located at the top of the video display. Such a cover panelmay comprise a portion of the video display(such as a top polarizing layer or an overlay layer) or may comprise a separate panel. For example, the cover panelmay comprise a glass panel which is located over the front of the video displayand thru which the video displaymay be viewed.

8 FIG. 7 FIG. 104 102 68 40 40 104 102 40 56 As illustrated in, in one configuration, a peripheral edgeof the cover panelmay extend outwardly beyond the video display, and preferably outwardly to (or slightly beyond) the peripheral edge of the top door. Thus, as illustrated in, when a player views the top door, the player views the peripheral edgeof the cover panelas comprising the peripheral extent of the top door—in this case, at the sides and rear of the top door (as the consoleis located at the front of the top door).

104 102 106 106 106 104 102 106 104 102 104 102 106 40 106 68 8 FIG. 7 FIG. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the peripheral edgeof the cover panelis back-lit. As illustrated in, in one configuration, at least one illumination elementis provided. The illumination elementmay comprise, for example, one or more individual lighting elements, a light strip, a light tube or similar elements. In one embodiment, the illumination elementis preferably configured to illuminate the peripheral edgeof the coverin a generally constant manner, such as in the form of a light strip. The illumination elementmay be located under the peripheral edgeof the cover panel, thus illuminating at least the peripheral edgeof the cover panel(such as along the sides and rear thereof, such as in a “U” shape), such as when viewed from the top (see). As illustrated, the illumination elementmight also project light peripherally outwardly as well, such as to be viewed from the sides and/or rear of the top panel. In some embodiments, a bottom, inside wall or the like of the illumination elementmay be reflective or light blocking, so as to prevent light from being directed inwardly towards the video displayand or downwardly.

8 FIG. 107 106 102 107 106 102 106 102 107 102 104 106 68 107 106 106 In one embodiment, as illustrated in, a light filtermay be configured to reduce the amount of light which is emitted from a top of the illumination elementtowards the cover panel. The light filtermight comprise, for example, a tinted film which is located between the top of the illumination elementand the bottom of the coverand which is configured to reduce the amount of light which is directed from the illumination elementtowards the cover panel(and thus the player). In one embodiment, the light filtermight be applied to the bottom of the cover panel, such as at the peripheral edgethereof at the area of the illumination element. In such a configuration, while the illumination elementhas a high brightness when viewed from the sides, it has a lower brightness when viewed by a player facing the video display. Of course, other configuration of light filtersmight utilized, such as where a top portion of the illumination elementhas an increased opaqueness as compared to the sides, where the cover panelhas light filtering properties, such as built into the glass or other material thereof, etc.

22 22 44 20 The housingand other components may be formed from a variety of materials. As indicated, it is preferred that the housing, frameand other structural members of the bar top gaming unitbe constructed of metal. Alternatively, these and other elements may be constructed from composites or other materials.

As described, the bar top gaming unit has a number of advantages, including associated with various features thereof. It will be appreciated that features of the bar top gaming unit may be used in combination, such as described herein, but may also be used independently. For example, a bar top gaming unit might include the player tracking unit mounting configuration described herein without including the cover panel configuration and/or without including the top door biasing configuration.

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.